I got mine Marx 666 for Christmas in 1958 and it still runs great! The set was $20 back then.

i was so suprised when i got my first O gauge set for 40 bucks. I've been a lifelong HO collector, but always having a dream of having O gauge. I personally am lucky and blessed enough to have acquired an absolutely massive HO Scale collection. If I had ever known how cheap O gauge can be imagine how much I could have acquired by now in O as well. HO & N will always be my absolute favorite, but O gauge is incredible in its own way. I feel a big factor the cheaper stuff isn't recognized because the general focus of train collection seems to be on realism. And the "toy" like designs can scare people off, they underestimate how fun these things are. Love your channel and your content, please keep it up my friend!!!

The K line MP15s usually pop up for a good price, and are fantastic runners

Swap Meets are a great place to find the smaller Locos. I got my 736 for $120.00, Didn't think I would ever own one. I got my first set of F3 Santa Fe 2343s at a loco hobby shop. I did well but you did better. Along with the FAs, don't overlook the NW2 switchers. They are made very similar the Alco's and can be found at Shows for between $35 and $50.

Really nice. Good to see someone using live catenary. The overhead wire looks great!